Fastest pinniped
- Who
- California sea lion (Zalophus californianus)
- What
- 40 kilometre(s) per hour
- Where
- Not Applicable
- When
- N/A
The fastest pinniped (a group comprising seals, sea lions and walruses) is the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus), with an ability to swim at 40 km/h (25 mph) in short bursts.
These sea lions are native to the western seaboard of North America from Mexico in the south up to Alaska in the north. They are particularly popular as a tourist attraction on Pier 39 in San Francisco, California. Their population is gradually increasing and it is currently estimated to be around 257,000.
The fastest pinniped on land, meanwhile, is thought to be the crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophagus) of Antarctica, one of which was clocked moving over ice at 19 km/h (12 mph) on Signy Island in the South Orkneys. Other reports suggest they can move even faster, perhaps up to 25 km/h (15.5 mph).